[Idiot’s note: I didn’t think to check the scheduling on this post and it was supposed to go live at 9:00 AM TODAY. Like a moron, I had it scheduled for NEXT Saturday. #facepalm]
Me again…First up on this tour of terror is one of my fellow Mocha Memoirs Press authors, Amy Braun.
INTERVIEW WITH AMY BRAUN
It’s Valentine’s Day. What’s your take on the “Most Romantic Day of the Year”?
Despite being a horror author/lover with a fondness for the macabre, I’m a romantic at heart. The idea of love and being in love is wonderful, and a powerful motivator that I use in all my stories. That being said, while romantic gestures are welcome and appreciated, I never really backed the whole “shower your loved one with roses and chocolates” thing. Yes, it’s nice, but honestly, I prefer the simpler, more meaningful touches. Valentine’s is a very commercial holiday, when really it should be the couples giving meaningful gifts instead of buying the traditional fare. There are a million and one ways to be romantic, and I can pretty well guarantee that the best ones are the unexpected.
What was the point when you decided horror would be your genre of choice?
It’s hard to pin it to a direct moment, since I’ve loved horror since I was little. Thrillers and action are great, but there’s nothing quite like reading or watching the suspense build in a novel or movie, having the character creep around the corner and then all of a sudden, BAM! Something jumps out at them and scares the daylights out of them. The best thing about horror is that it can be done so many ways. There are paranormal, thrilling stories, which I used for my short story Call From The Grave, but also subtle, creepy horror, which I went with in Hotel Hell. I love writing horror stories that get under the reader’s skin, and it’s a genre where you can continue to push those boundaries. If I’ve creeped myself out, then I know I’ve done a good job.
From where do you pull your horror inspiration?
Novels and movies often draw my attention, writers and directors creating something truly terrifying and monstrous, but most of my inspiration comes from mythology or artwork. I love ancient monsters and demons, which can be particularly beautiful when visualized. When I see a sketch or digital drawing that unnerves me, the first thing I ask myself is: What is the story? What is this thing, where did it come from, and why was in unleashed? The story usually builds itself from there, and usually involves said monster or demon going crazy on everyone around it. Which of course, is half the fun.
What is one horror stereotype you absolutely despise? One you love?
I hate formula. I understand it can’t always be avoided, but slasher flicks are just so cliche these days, especially with reboots and sequels drowning the cinemas. I tend to skip them unless they offer a brand new, unheard of or rarely used concept that will leave people shocked. Cabin in the Woods is one of my favorite horror movies because it took the idea of a typical horror story, and turned it into something that has me on the edge of my seat to this day. That being said, I’m a sucker for monster rampages. Another movie I love, but isn’t really revered is the 2010 film The Wolfman. The story was decent, but I didn’t really invest in it. No, I was after the werewolf. I wanted to see just how wild the beast could be when it was released from its cage, and I got more than I asked for. I might hate formula, but when you have a giant monster running around, it damn well better go on a rampage.
What scares you?
Heights– I hate heights. Even going on ladders freaks me out, especially since I’m a klutz. The fall might not look very far, but your body won’t remember that when you slip and get a broken ankle. Sharks are another one. I love the ocean, but knowing those things are out there is terrifying. They’re one of the oldest creatures in the world, some of the deadliest predators, and you could never know they’re coming until it’s too late. Last but not least, spiders. Yes, I know they’re miniscule compared to my size. Yes, I know they eat mosquitoes and pests. That doesn’t make them any less creepy. Go look up the effects of a brown recluse or black widow bite, and then tell me they shouldn’t be feared. And have you seen the photos of camel spiders? No thank you.
WHO SHE IS
Amy is a Canadian urban fantasy and horror author. Her work revolves around monsters, magic, mythology, and 
mayhem. She started writing in her early teens, and never stopped. She loves building unique worlds filled with fun characters and intense action. She is the recipient of April Moon Books Editor Award for “author voice, world-building and general bad-assery.” Amy’s current work includes various short stories such as Hotel Hell, Call From The Grave, and the novella Needfire. She has short stories in various anthologies such as Bring Back The Hound in Stomping Grounds, Charlatan Charade in Lost in the Witching Hour, and her award winning short Dark Intentions And Blood in AMOK! Amy can be found online through her frequently updated blog, Literary Braun (literarybraun.blogspot.ca), as well as on Twitter (@amybraunauthor) and Facebook (facebook.com/amybraunauthor). Her upcoming work includes: Secret Suicide in That Hoodoo, Voodoo, That You Do anthology, as well as her first full length novel, Path of the Horseman.
WHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS
Call From The Grave:
Hotel Hell: